Your Brain On

Latest Episodes:

Your Brain On... Protein Oct 17, 2024

Protein — how much do we need? What’s the healthiest way to consume it? Can we get enough from plant-based diets?

Until recent decades, protein hasn’t been quite as prominent in public health discussions as sugar and fats. However, with longer lifespans emphasizing the importance of protein for long-term health, and growing confusion around the quality and quantity of protein needed, it has become a highly debated macronutrient.

In ‘Your Brain On… Protein’, we explore:

• The brain health benefits (and general health benefits) of protein

• Plant-based protein vs. meat protein, and supplements like protein powders

• How much protein we really need to eat every day

• Ways we can all introduce more protein into our diets

• Why ‘health’ influencers are suddenly recommending unusually high levels of protein consumption

• How we measure the quality of proteins, including digestibility and absorption

In this episode, we’re joined by two fantastic nutrition experts:

DR. MATTHEW NAGRA, nutritionist and science communicator.

DR. ALAN FLANAGAN, esteemed nutrition scientist (previously featured in ‘Your Brain On… Sugar’ and ‘Your Brain On… Fats’

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Protein’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 10 (SEASON 3 FINALE!)

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LINKS:

Dr. Matt Nagra

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.matthewnagra

Website: https://drmatthewnagra.com/

Dr. Alan Flanagan

Alan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenutritionaladvocate

Alinea Nutrition: https://www.alineanutrition.com/

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REFERENCES:

Dietary Patterns and Risk of Dementia: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-015-9516-4

Dietary fat composition and dementia risk. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.03.038

Dietary Protein and Amino Acids in Vegetarian Diets—A Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6893534/

Animal vs Plant-Based Meat: A Hearty Debate. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38934982/

High-Protein Plant-Based Diet Versus a Protein-Matched Omnivorous Diet to Support Resistance Training Adaptations: A Comparison Between Habitual Vegans and Omnivores. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33599941/

Vegan and Omnivorous High Protein Diets Support Comparable Daily Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis Rates and Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy in Young Adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36822394/

Digestibility issues of vegetable versus animal proteins: protein and amino acid requirements--functional aspects. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23964409/

Soy and Isoflavone Consumption and Multiple Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies and Randomized Trials in Humans. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201900751

No Difference Between the Effects of Supplementing With Soy Protein Versus Animal Protein on Gains in Muscle Mass and Strength in Response to Resistance Exercise. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29722584/

Neither soy nor isoflavone intake affects male reproductive hormones: An expanded and updated meta-analysis of clinical studies. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33383165/

The health effects of soy: A reference guide for health professionals. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9410752/

The Effect of Plant-Based Protein Ingestion on Athletic Ability in Healthy People—A Bayesian Meta-Analysis with Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/16/2748

Effects of high-quality protein supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2024.06.013

Vegan and Omnivorous High Protein Diets Support Comparable Daily Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis Rates and Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy in Young Adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36822394/

Your Brain On... Misinformation Oct 09, 2024

The digital age has made it easier than ever to access health information, but how can we know which sources to trust?

Social media is saturated with misinformation. Some of it is inadvertent — many bold pseudoscientific claims seem very convincing, and anyone could be forgiven for sharing it with the best intentions.

But, a more deliberate manipulation of scientific information has become commonplace, often used to push certain narratives or turn a profit.

Combating this misinformation machine can feel impossible. So, we assembled five experts from different corners of the science communication community to help equip you for the fight:

Dr. David L. Katz, MD, MPH, a renowned figure in the field of preventive medicine, public health, and nutrition. (Website: https://davidkatzmd.com/)

Steven Novella MD, clinical neurologist and associate professor at Yale University School of Medicine, a host of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast, and a founder of the New England Skeptical Society. (Website: https://theness.com/neurologicablog/)

Dr. Jessica Steier PhD, public health scientist and host of the wildly popular Unbiased Science podcast. (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipod)

Dr. Jonathan Stea PhD, clinical psychologist and author of the book ‘Mind the Science’. (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_jonathan_stea/ / Website: https://www.jonathanstea.com/)

Dr. Idrees Mughal, AKA ‘Dr. Idz’, one of the most popular online misinformation-debunking social media icons. (TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_idz / Website: https://www.schoolofdridz.com/)

Together, we discuss:

• The telltale signs of pseudoscientific messaging.

• Where misinformation comes from, and why it often spreads faster than evidence-based facts.

• Why we can be so susceptible to believing misinformation.

• Who profits by poisoning the science communication space.

• How we can improve our scientific literacy and avoid echo chambers.

• Ways academics can improve their public health communication.

• ‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... Misinformation’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 9

Your Brain On: A Brain Health Revolution Summit Special Oct 02, 2024

20 incredible conversations with leading scientists, in one hour.

We’re excited to present this special installment of Your Brain On, featuring highlights from some of the speakers talking at our first ever Brain Health Revolution Summit.

Our first summit, running September 30 through October 6 2024, features seven days of hour-long discussions with the scientists who are actually conducting the studies, publishing the papers, and pushing public health policy reforms that are shaping our world.

No matter when you’re listening to this episode, visit https://bhrsummit.com/ for more information about the summit — be it our first 2024 edition, or a future installment!

Day 1: The Brain Health Landscape: From Insights to Action

Day 2: Mental Health Matters and Heart Health for a Stronger Brain

Day 3: Women’s Brain Health: Hormones, Longevity, and Vitality

Day 4: Emerging Challenges in Brain Health

Day 5: Fuel for Thought: Nutrition, the Gut, and the Brain

Day 6: Move, Breathe, Thrive: Exercise and Stress Management

Day 7: Recharge and Optimize: Sleep and Cognitive Performance

This special episode includes excerpts of our conversations with:

Rachel Dolhun, MD

Michael Okun, MD

Charles DeCarli, MD

Ari Tuckman, PsyD

Amishi Jha, PhD

Danielle Belardo, MD

Margarett McCarthy, PhD

Lisa Mosconi, PhD

Lisa Genova

Idrees ‘Dr. Idz’ Mughal, MBBS, MRes, DipIBLM

Daniele Piomelli, PhD

Frank Lin, MD, PhD

Alan Flanagan, PhD

Matthew Nagra, ND

Stuart Phillips, PhD

Natali Edmonds, PhD

Satchin Panda, PhD

Donn Posner, MD

Sujay Kansagra, MD

Yaakov Stern, PhD

For more information about the Brain Health Revolution Summit, visit: https://bhrsummit.com/

The Brain Health Revolution Summit 2024 is presented in partnership with Healthy Minds Initiative: thymindsinitiative.org

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Your Brain On... Having A Pet Sep 25, 2024

What are our animal companions thinking? And how does our friendship with them change their brains, and our brains?

We all wish we could communicate with our pets. Though we may never share a language, modern neuroscience has enabled us to ethically understand the cognitive anatomy and emotional signals of other animals like never before.

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...’, we discuss what we’ve learned so far, including:

• The neurological phenomena that leads to domestication and, in turn, animal companionship

• How oxytocin studies have signified that, yes, our dogs do love us back

• The research that has shown how some companions might value social rewards from humans just as much as they value the food we provide for them

• The differences (and similarities) between canine brains and human brains

• How dogs do understand us to a degree, but not quite in the linguistic sense we might like to believe

• The incredible things dogs can do for dementia patients

• The importance of ethics in animal research

• Why understanding the emotional capacity of other animals is vital

Our guests for this episode are two of the foremost voices in animal cognition:

BRIAN HARE: Professor in Evolutionary Anthropology, Psychology, and Neuroscience at Duke University, and a core member of their Center of Cognitive Neuroscience. Plus: co-author of ‘The Genius of Dogs’ and ‘Survival of the Friendliest’.

GREGORY BERNS: Professor of Psychology and Distinguished Professor of Neuroeconomics, researcher of dogs (and more recently, cows), and author of ‘How Dogs Love Us’ and ‘Cowpuppy: An Unexpected Friendship and a Scientist’s Journey into the Secret World of Cows’.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Having A Pet’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 8

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LINKS

Brian Hare:

Brian Hare’s website: https://brianhare.net/

The Hare Lab at Duke University: https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/hare-lab

Brian’s book, ‘Survival of the Friendliest’: https://a.co/d/2mNhSE1

Gregory Berns:

Gregory Berns’ website: http://gregoryberns.com/

Gregory’s book, ‘Cowpuppy’: https://a.co/d/0gpJYQx

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Coffee Sep 18, 2024

What does the most-purchased beverage in the world — coffee — do to your brain?

Five centuries after its discovery, coffee is deeply entrenched in our diets on a global scale. More than half the U.S. population drinks coffee daily. We wake up with coffee, and catch up with friends over coffee. Historically, coffee has been heralded as an inspiring muse.

But many headlines have warned us about the adverse effects of coffee. Is there truth in the supposed risks, or can we keep sipping away without a worry?

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...’, we discuss:

• What caffeine does to your brain, and why it makes you feel awake

• How much coffee is too much, and how caffeine affects us all differently (depending on our metabolism)

• The antioxidant benefits of coffee

• How coffee can improve concentration, and even potentially protect against neurodegenerative diseases

• How different kinds of coffee affect our brains differently (black vs. cream and sugar, brewed vs. filter, caffeinated vs. decaf)

• The risks of caffeine addiction

• A brief history of how coffee became so ubiquitous in our lives

Bringing the buzz to this episode are two coffee geniuses:

DR. ASTRID NEHLIG, a neuroscientist out of the French Institute of Health and Medical Research who has studied the health impacts of coffee with impressive extensiveness.

PROFESSOR JONATHAN MORRIS, AKA ‘The Coffee Historian’, author of ‘Coffee: A Global History’ and co-creator of the History of Coffee Podcast.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Coffee’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 7

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LINKS

Dr. Astrid Nehlig’s research: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Astrid-Nehlig

Professor Jonathan Morris’ website: https://thecoffeehistorian.com/

Professor Morris at the University of Hertfordshire: https://researchprofiles.herts.ac.uk/en/persons/jonathan-morris

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Grief Sep 11, 2024

What grief does to our brains, and how we can grow from one of life’s most challenging experiences.

The impact grief has on your mind can be so severe, some experts refer to it as an ‘emotional traumatic brain injury’. And, like many life-altering physical changes, the cognitive effects of grief aren’t so much something to ‘get over’ — rather, they’re something we can learn to live with and thrive alongside.

In ‘Your Brain On... Grief’, we discuss:

• How the emotional trauma of losing those you love can physically change your brain

• The association between grief and chronic stress

• Journalling, creativity, and lifestyle factors as methods for healing from grief

• The importance of community in managing loss

• The risks of oversimplified models of dealing with grief, e.g. the ‘five stages of grief’

• What we can learn from different cultures about handling grief

Joining us for this emotional journey are two insightful guests:

DR. LISA SHULMAN: grief neurologist and author of ‘Before and After Loss’

AMBER JEFFREY: grief mentor and host of podcast The Grief Gang.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Grief’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 6

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LINKS

Dr. Lisa Schulman

‘Before and After Loss’ on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Before-After-Loss-Neurologists-Perspective/dp/1421426951

Amber Jeffrey

The ‘Grief Gang’ podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-grief-gang/id1489821860

Grief mentoring: https://www.thegriefgang.com/grief-mentoring

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Caregiving Sep 04, 2024

As populations have aged, our need for caregivers has risen fast. The stresses of caregiving present brain health concerns that we must address urgently.

Caregivers are heroes. But they’re often so focused on looking after someone else, they neglect themselves. And self-care is so vital for caregivers, because the role is one of the most physically-, emotionally-, and psychologically-demanding responsibilities anyone can take on. Here, we discuss what that self-care can look like.

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...’, we discuss:

• How the chronic stress of caring for a loved one with a neurodegenerative disease like dementia can affect your brain

• The ways we can mitigate these stresses, at the individual, family, and community levels

• How self-care can help caregivers be more effective and attentive in their roles

• Lifestyle interventions and meditative practices that can help alleviate the risks associated with caregiver burden

• The need for better caregiver support at the socioeconomic and policy level

• How emerging technologies are starting to help make caregivers’ workloads more manageable

Joining us for this poignant conversation are two wonderful guests:

DR. NATALI EDMONDS, a board-certified geropsychologist and founder of Dementia Careblazers, a platform providing support and guidance for dementia caregivers.

DR. HELEN LAVRETSKY, a Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and a leading researcher in geriatric psychiatry, who has researched the neurological benefits of lifestyle changes and de-stressing meditation for the cognitive and mental wellbeing of caregivers.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Caregiving’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 5

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LINKS

Dr. Natali Edmonds:

Dementia Careblazers: https://careblazers.com/

The Dementia Careblazers podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/dementia-careblazers/id1634661439

Dementia Caregivers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DementiaCareblazers

Dr. Helen Lavretsky:

At UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/helen-lavretsky

Study on yogic meditation for dementia caregivers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423469/

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Meditation Aug 28, 2024

Meditation: an ancient practice with brain health benefits proven by modern science.

Whether you’re focusing on your breathing to quieten peripheral distractions or using mindfulness to rebalance your emotional reactivity to everyday stresses, practicing meditation can spark long-term neuroplastic changes that will help you feel more attentive and calm in everything you do.

In ‘Your Brain On... Meditation’, we explore:

• How meditation alters your brain chemistry and ‘retrains’ your broader nervous system

• The neuroscience of attention and focus, including your default mode and salience networks

• Using mindfulness to break phone addiction, reduce stress, improve relationships, and practice self-care

• The studies which highlight the long-term cognitive benefits of meditation

• How we can all make time for meditation, no matter how busy our schedules

• The limitations and risks of meditation apps

Joining us for this important conversation are three fantastic guests:

DR. AMISHI JHA, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami, a pioneer in the study of mindfulness and attention, and the author of the acclaimed book ‘Peak Mind’

DR. CLIFFORD SARON, a neuroscientist and Associate Research Scientist at the Center for Mind and Brain at the University of California, Davis, renowned for his work on the neurobiological effects of meditation

DR. HELEN LAVRETSKY, a Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and a leading researcher in geriatric psychiatry, who has extensively studied the effects of meditation and yoga on mental health and aging

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Meditation’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 4

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LINKS

Dr. Amishi Jha:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0062992155/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amishipjha/

On Twitter: https://x.com/amishijha

Dr. Clifford Saron:

Center for Mind and Brain: https://mindbrain.ucdavis.edu/people/clifford-saron

Dr. Helen Lavretsky:

At UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/helen-lavretsky

Study on yogic meditation for dementia caregivers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423469/

Your Brain On... Leg Strength Aug 21, 2024

Leg strength isn’t just about physical health. There are enormous benefits for brain health, too.

From the more obvious benefits for balance and mobility to the deeper neurochemical machinery that powers the production and transportation of brain-boosting proteins, leg strength has a far greater influence on brain health than we might expect.

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...’, we discuss:

• The prevalence of injuries caused by falls in elderly populations (and how leg strength can help counter this problem)

• How brain-boosting chemicals like BDNF are produced by resistance exercise

• What actually happens to our muscles when we grow them with regular exercise

• How we can all work on our leg strength, regardless of age and ability

• The importance of rest, recovery, and nutrition in an effective exercise regime

Joining us for this discussion are the immensely knowledgeable Dr. Stuart Phillips, a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, and Dr. Kirk Erickson, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh (and an expert in the area of exercise and cognitive health).

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... LEG STRENGTH’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 3

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LINKS

Dr. Stuart Phillips at McMaster University: https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/

Dr. Stuart Phillips on Twitter: https://x.com/mackinprof

Dr. Kirk Erickson at the University of Pittsburgh: https://www.psychology.pitt.edu/people/kirk-erickson-phd

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REFERENCES (Studies Dr. Erickson referred to in the show):

Colcombe, S. J., Erickson, K. I., Raz, N., et al. (2003). Aerobic fitness reduces brain tissue loss in aging humans. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 58(2), M176-M180. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12586857/
Colcombe, S. J., Erickson, K. I., Scalf, et al. (2006). Aerobic exercise training increases brain volume in aging humans. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 61(11), 1166-1170. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17167157/

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Marijuana Aug 14, 2024

The neuroscience behind the benefits and risks of marijuana, explained.

Splintered legislature, evolving taboos, and new forms of consumption have created a fragmented market for cannabis, and made it challenging for scientists to research its effects on our brains and bodies.

In this episode, we unpack what we know about the cognitive impacts of marijuana use — the good and the bad — and explore new studies which are filling in the gaps.

We discuss:

• The difference between the THC and CBD cannabinoids, and their unique effects on our brains • How your endocannabinoid system works, and how it’s altered under the influence of marijuana • Why one woman with a genetic mutation that affected her endocannabinoid system couldn’t feel pain • The benefits of marijuana: nausea relief, pain management, and possible uses for reducing seizure frequency and helping with mental health • The risks of marijuana: memory disorders, addiction, developmental issues, and the dangers of high-potency products that are increasingly difficult to regulate • Why we first consumed cannabis, about 12,000 years ago

Our incredible guests this week are:

• Dr. Daniele Piomelli, Director of the Institute for the Study of Cannabis at the University of California Irvine • Dr. Susan Weiss, Director of the Division of Extramural Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Marijuana’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 2

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LINKS

Dr. Daniele Piomelli

At University of California Irvine: https://cnlm.uci.edu/piomelli/ UCI Center for the Study of Cannabis: https://cannabis.uci.edu/

Dr. Susan Weiss

National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://nida.nih.gov/ The ABCD Study: https://abcdstudy.org/

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Parkinson’s Aug 07, 2024

From 18th century London to the promise of a global cure: the 200-year history of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s, a neurodegenerative disorder most commonly characterized by tremors and other motor symptoms, is so complex, many medical professionals are starting to classify it as a group of diseases, rather than a single disease.

In this episode, we explain those complexities, including:

• The motor symptoms (e.g. cogwheel rigidity, bradykinesia) and non-motor symptoms (e.g. depression, sleep disorders)

• How the industrial revolution may have brought about environmental factors which contribute to Parkinson’s

• The differences and similarities between Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s

• How Parkinson’s manifests in our brains

• Why one nurse was able to detect Parkinson’s through smell

• The neurogenetics of Parkinson’s, and the ethical quandaries of evolving genetic technology

• Why lifestyle — nutrition, exercise, etc. — is so key to preventing and managing Parkinson’s

Joining us for this extensive conversation are three incredible guests:

• Dr. Rachel Dolhun, Senior Vice President of Medical Communications at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

• Dr. Michael Okun, evolutionary biologist, movement disorders specialist, and Director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases

• Dr. Matthew Farrer, neurogenetics expert and Professor Of Neurology at the University of Florida

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Parkinson’s’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 1 (SEASON 3 DEBUT)

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LINKS

Dr. Rachel Dolhun:

At the Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/bio/rachel-dolhun-md-dipablm

‘Ask the MD’ series: https://www.michaeljfox.org/ask-md

The Michael J. Fox Foundation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeljfoxfoundation/videos

Dr. Michael Okun:

At the University of Florida: https://neurology.ufl.edu/profile/okun-michael/

The book ‘Ending Parkinson’s Disease’: https://endingpd.org/

The Norman Fixel Institute: https://fixel.ufhealth.org/

Dr. Matthew Farrer:

At the University of Florida: https://neurology.ufl.edu/profile/farrer-matthew/

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References:

Bloem, B. R., Okun, M. S., & Klein, C. (2021). Parkinson's disease. The Lancet, 397(10291), 2284-2303.
Morris, H. R., Spillantini, M. G., Sue, C. M., & Williams-Gray, C. H. (2024). The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. The Lancet, 403(10423), 293-304.
Dorsey, E., Sherer, T., Okun, M. S., & Bloem, B. R. (2018). The emerging evidence of the Parkinson pandemic. Journal of Parkinson's disease, 8(s1), S3-S8.
Dorsey, E. R., Okun, M. S., & Tanner, C. M. (2021). Bad Air and Parkinson Disease—The Fog May Be Lifting. JAMA neurology, 78(7), 793-795.
Tsalenchuk, M., Gentleman, S. M., & Marzi, S. J. (2023). Linking environmental risk factors with epigenetic mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease. npj Parkinson's Disease, 9(1), 123.
Reynoso, A., Torricelli, R., Jacobs, B. M., Shi, J., Aslibekyan, S., Norcliffe‐Kaufmann, L., ... & Heilbron, K. (2024). Gene–Environment Interactions for Parkinson's Disease. Annals of Neurology, 95(4), 677-687.
Golsorkhi, M., Sherzai, A., & Dashtipour, K. The Influence of Lifestyle on Parkinson's Disease Management. In Lifestyle Medicine, Fourth Edition (pp. 919-924). CRC Press.
Sherzai, A. Z., Tagliati, M., Park, K., Pezeshkian, S., & Sherzai, D. (2016). Micronutrients and risk of Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review. Gerontology and geriatric medicine, 2, 2333721416644286.

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Ozempic Jul 03, 2024

Ozempic. Developed as diabetes medication. Adopted as a weight loss drug. Eyed for its potential neuroprotective effects.

Hollywood’s popularization of Ozempic as a way to lose weight has made it one of the most widely-discussed drugs of our time, and has put immense stress on supply chains, sometimes preventing its intended users — type-2 diabetics — from accessing the medication.

In this episode, we wade through the history, benefits, side-effects, neuroscience, and future of Ozempic, with the help of our guest: obesity and lipid physician Dr. Spencer Nadolsky.

We discuss:

• The origins of Ozempic and its predecessors

• How GLP-1 receptor drugs like Ozempic regulate appetite

• What the latest research and trials say about Ozempic’s effects (good and bad)

• Why we should quell the stigma borne from Ozempic’s brushes with celebrity culture

• Where studies on Ozempic and similar medications are going next

• How to ask your healthcare provider about Ozempic

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Ozempic’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 10 (SEASON 2 FINALE)

Your Brain On… will be back with Season 3, in August 2024!

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LINKS

Dr. Spencer Nadolsky:

His website: https://drspencer.com/

His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnadolsky/

His podcast, ‘Docs Who Lift’: https://drspencer.com/podcast/

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Retirement Jun 26, 2024

Retirement, often considered a period of late-life decline, can actually be a time of cognitive growth and prosperity.

When we retire, all the neurologically stimulating aspects of our working life — the mental and physical challenges, socializing and strategizing with colleagues, etc. — can disappear overnight.

An abrupt lifestyle change of this magnitude can be taxing for our brains, but with the right preparation, our twilight years can truly be the best of our lives.

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On…’, we discuss:

• The neurological impacts of retirement

• What we can learn from how different cultures approach retirement

• How building our cognitive reserve can protect our brains as we age

• The future of research into the neuroscience of retirement

• Why minority populations often disproportionately struggle with retirement

We’re joined by FOUR experts in the field of cognitive aging:

DR. YAAKOV STERN: professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University, and a pioneer of the concept of cognitive reserve

DR. AMANDA SONNEGA: Research Scientist at the University of Michigan

DR. SHERVIN ASSARI: Director of Research, Public Health at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science

DR. ALAN GOW: head of The Ageing Lab at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Retirement • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 9

LINKS

Dr. Yaakov Stern

at Columbia University: https://www.neurology.columbia.edu/profile/yaakov-stern-phd

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaakov_Stern

Dr. Amanda Sonnega

at University of Michigan: https://micda.isr.umich.edu/people/amanda-sonnega/

Dr. Shervin Assari

at Charles R. Drew University: https://www.cdrewu.edu/directory/assari-md-mph-shervin/

on Twitter (AKA ‘X’): https://twitter.com/assarish

Dr. Alan Gow

at Heriot-Watt University: https://researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/persons/alan-j-gow

on Twitter (AKA ‘X’): https://twitter.com/AlanJohnGow

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Introversion Jun 19, 2024

Do introverts/extroverts have different brains? Are you born introverted? Is introversion neurologically harmful?

The definition of introversion has been blurred in the social media age. We all know introverts are more likely to enjoy alone time, and may find social settings more challenging, but what’s less clear is: why? And is introversion the same as social anxiety?

In this episode, we discuss:

• How common introverted traits can be observed in the brain

• The nature vs. nurture debate of whether introversion is genetic, learned, or both

• The multi-decade study which posed the question: can introversion/extroversion be predicted in infants?

• Why personality types aren’t as trivial as they may seem

• How introverts can become more extroverted, and vice versa

We’re joined by two renowned writers whose books have explored the intricacies of introversion:

• JENN GRANNEMAN, author of ‘The Secret Lives of Introverts’ and ‘Sensitive’, and founder of ‘Introvert, Dear’, a website and community centered on introversion

• SCOTT BARRY KAUFMAN, cognitive scientist, host of The Psychology Podcast, and author of ‘Wired to Create’

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Introversion’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 8

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LINKS

Jenn Granneman:

on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenngranneman

Introvert, Dear: https://introvertdear.com/

Scott Barry Kaufman:

Scott’s website: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/

on Twitter (AKA ‘X’): https://x.com/sbkaufman

on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottbarrykaufman

———

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Sleep Jun 12, 2024

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. The benefits for our brain are incredible.

Restorative sleep is essential for good brain health. When you sleep, your brain washes away waste products from around your synapses, consolidates short-term memories into long-term knowledge, and processes thoughts and emotions.

In this episode, we explain how, and discuss:

• How much sleep your brain really needs • The different phases of sleep, and how each one strengthens your cognition • Why good sleep is key for minimising the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases • Insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders, and how to treat them • The environmental factors which can help improve sleep • Why paying too much attention to sleep trackers and smart wearables can do more harm than good

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Donn Posner, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.

We also welcome Dr. Sujay Kansagra, the Director of Duke's Pediatric Neurology Sleep Medicine Program and an Assistant Professor in Duke's School of Medicine.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Sleep’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 7

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LINKS

Dr. Donn Posner:

Sleepwell Consultants: https://www.sleepwellconsultants.com/

Dr. Sujay Kansagra:

at Duke Health: https://www.dukehealth.org/find-doctors-physicians/sujay-kansagra-md

on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsleepdoc

———

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Virtual Reality Jun 05, 2024

VR headsets allow us to step into vast virtual worlds. What does that mean for our brains?

Virtual reality technology is the most advanced and affordable it’s ever been, and the tools to create immersive environments are just a few clicks away. Are we destined for a dystopian future, lost in computer-generated isolation?

On the contrary, VR devices have been put to good use in clinical settings for research and therapy. Our brains react to their hyper-realistic simulations, but without any of the physical dangers.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How VR gadgets trick your brain into forgetting you’re in a virtual reality

• The clever ways VR game designers prevent us from feeling motion sickness

• How VR has been used in treating conditions like PTSD and ADHD

• The early uses of VR tech in neurological studies, back in the 90s

• The ethical responsibility we all have to adopt these technologies with a healthy degree of caution

We’re joined by two experts at the intersection of VR and neuroscience: Albert ‘Skip’ Rizzo, Research Director at USC Institute for Creative Technologies for Medical Virtual Reality, and Dr. Adam Gazzaley, co-founder and Chief Science Advisor of therapeutic video game development company Akili Interactive.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Virtual Reality’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 6

LINKS

Albert ‘Skip’ Rizzo:

at USC Institute for Creative Technologies: https://ict.usc.edu/about-us/leadership/research-leadership/albert-skip-rizzo/

Dr. Adam Gazzaley:

Adam’s website: https://gazzaley.com/

at Neuroscape: https://neuroscape.ucsf.edu/profile/adam-gazzaley/

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Sunlight May 29, 2024

Sunlight has kept our brains on a 24-hour schedule for hundreds of thousands of years. Here’s how.

When sunlight touches your skin or hits your eyes, your brain ups the production of serotonin, to make you feel alert. And when night falls, your brain switches to releasing melatonin, so you know it’s time to sleep. So when we don’t get enough sunlight, our biological cycles can start to break.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Vitamin D is made, and what benefits it has for your brain health

• The evolutionary complexities of your circadian rhythm, and how it’s been thrown into chaos by modern life

• What happens to our mental health when winter shortens daylight hours

• How light therapies can help people living in cloudier climates to protect their cognitive health

• The association between not getting enough sunlight and developing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia

We’re joined by Population Health Science and Policy scientist and ‘lighting researcher’ Dr. Mariana Figueiro to discuss how light-emulating technologies can help simulate sunlight in darker spaces during gloomier times of year.

And Dr. Satchin Panda, leading expert in the field of circadian rhythm research and a founder of the Center for Circadian Biology at the University of California, to dive deep into the neurological intricacies of our 24-hour body clock.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Sunlight’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 5

LINKS:

Dr. Mariana Figueiro:

at The Center for Health Design: https://www.healthdesign.org/experts/mariana-figueiro-phd

TED Talk: https://www.tedmed.com/talks/show?id=293012

Dr. Satchin Panda:

at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/satchidananda-panda/

on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satchin.panda

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Fats May 22, 2024

Fat can have a bad reputation, but certain fats are essential for the healthy functioning of your brain.

Between government guidelines, fad diets, and our endless social feeds, nutrition advice overload has left us all a bit lost with how to incorporate healthy fats into what we eat.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The different kinds of fats (saturated vs. unsaturated) and which ones we actually need to consume

• The myth that “because your brain is primarily made of fat, it thrives on a high-fat diet”

• How the cardiovascular damage caused by saturated fats can increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia

• All the tasty ways you can get more healthy, unsaturated, essential fats into your meals

We welcome esteemed nutrition scientist Dr. Alan Flanagan back to the show, to explore the history of research into the impact of fats and how it shaped one of the most robust bodies of evidence in all of science.

We’re also joined by Dr. Danielle Belardo, renowned cardiologist and science communicator, to talk about the interplay between heart health, brain health, and fats, the controversy around statins, the low-down on LDL cholesterol, and the future of cardiovascular interventions.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... FATS’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 4

LINKS

Dr. Alan Flanagan:

Alan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenutritionaladvocate

Alinea Nutrition: https://www.alineanutrition.com/

Dr. Danielle Belardo:

Dr. Belardo’s website: https://www.daniellebelardomd.com/

Practical, Evidence-Based Approaches to Nutritional Modifications to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35284849/

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

REFERENCES

Scientific articles discussed in this episode:

Mensink, Ronald P., and World Health Organization. Effects of saturated fatty acids on serum lipids and lipoproteins: a systematic review and regression analysis. World Health Organization, 2016.

Okereke, Olivia I., et al. “Dietary fat types and 4‐year cognitive change in community‐dwelling older women.” Annals of neurology 72.1 (2012): 124-134.

Simian Diet paper: Kendall, Cyril WC, and David JA Jenkins. “A dietary portfolio: maximal reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with diet.” Current atherosclerosis reports 6.6 (2004): 492-498.

Solomon, Alina, et al. “Midlife serum cholesterol and increased risk of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia three decades later.” Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders 28.1 (2009): 75-80. Morris, Martha Clare, et al. “Dietary fats and the risk of incident Alzheimer disease.” Archives of neurology 60.2 (2003): 194-200.

Keys, Ancel, Joseph T. Anderson, and Francisco Grande. “Prediction of serum-cholesterol responses of man to changes in fats in the diet.” Lancet 273 (1957): 959-966

Anitschkow, N. N., and S. Chalatow. 1913. Ueber experimentelle Cholesterinsteatose und ihre Bedeutung fur die Entstehung eini- ger pathologischer Prozesse. Zentralbl. Allg. Pathol. 24: 1–9.

Keys, Ancel, et al. “The seven countries study: 2,289 deaths in 15 years.” Preventive medicine 13.2 (1984): 141-154.

Sherzai, Ayesha Z., Alexander N. Sherzai, and Dean Sherzai. "A systematic review of omega-3 consumption and neuroprotective cognitive outcomes." American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 17.4 (2023): 560-588.

Rajan, Kumar B., et al. "Statin Initiation and Risk of Incident Alzheimer Disease and Cognitive Decline in Genetically Susceptible Older Adults." Neurology 102.7 (2024): e209168.

Olmastroni, Elena, et al. "Statin use and risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies." European journal of preventive cardiology 29.5 (2022): 804-814.

Your Brain On... Hearing Loss May 15, 2024

How does hearing loss change the brain and contribute to cognitive decline?

The human capacity to hear is incredible. In milliseconds, sound vibrations are transformed into mechanical energy, then sensorineural signals, and then, in our brains, a universe of meaning and memory.

When that sense begins to fade, either due to aging or because of causative damage, our brains can become understimulated, potentially leading to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

But, with accessibility research, technology, and policy continuing to strengthen and converge, the future promises to be brighter for everyone experiencing hearing loss.

In this episode of ‘YOUR BRAIN ON...’, we discuss:

• The different kinds and causes of hearing loss

• The relationship between aging and hearing loss

• The neurological distinction between ‘hearing’ and ‘listening’

• The recent groundbreaking studies which have made the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline clearer than ever

• How associated conditions like tinnitus impact the brain

• What’s coming next in hearing aid technology

This episode, we’re joined by:

DR. FRANK LIN, Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at Johns Hopkins, who headed major research into how hearing loss contributes to increased risk of neurodegenerative disease.

DR. DOUGLAS BECK, renowned audiologist and co-host of the Hearing Matters podcast, who talks about the past and future of hearing aid devices, how to protect your hearing, and why listening — not hearing — is a whole-brain event.

DR. KRISTIN BARRY, researcher and tinnitus expert, who breaks down the various types of tinnitus and explains how the effects of tinnitus can be observed in the brain.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... HEARING LOSS’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 3

LINKS

Dr. Frank Lin

Johns Hopkins Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health: https://jhucochlearcenter.org/

The Hearing Number: https://hearingnumber.org/

Dr. Douglas Beck

Dr. Beck’s website: http://www.douglaslbeck.com/

The Hearing Matters podcast: https://hearingmatterspodcast.com/

Dr. Kristin Barry

Dr. Barry at the University of Western Australia: https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/kristin-barry

Dr. Barry’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKY-hohg8wM

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Comedy May 08, 2024

Laughter predates language. But what’s the neurological function of humor? Why do we find things funny?

Your brain’s ability to perceive and create comedic ideas is one of the most powerful facets of the human experience. Through humor and laughter, we can find shared understanding across the boundaries of cultures, languages, and ideologies.

In this episode of ‘YOUR BRAIN ON...’, we discuss:

• Why we evolved the ability to laugh

• The ‘benign violation theory’ — the most prevalent hypothesis for the function of humor

• Why we find some things funny, and some things not

• How some comedians use humor as a form of therapy

• The nervous disorders underpinning involuntary bursts of laughter

This episode, we’re joined by:

CALEB WARREN, a primary contributor of the Humor Research Lab (HuRL) at the University of Colorado, and a key pioneer of the Benign Violation Theory, which he speaks about in this episode.

JESSICA PORTER, an hilarious comedian who uses humor both for performances and for therapy. Jessica shares some fascinating ideas about comedy as a tool for communication and growth.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... COMEDY’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 2

LINKS

The Humor Research Lab at University of Colorado: https://humorresearchlab.com/

Jessica Porter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_porter_standup

Jessica’s podcast, Sleep Magic: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sleep-magic-sleep-hypnosis-meditations/id1650407051

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Space Travel May 01, 2024

Space travel goes against a million years of human evolution. So how does it affect our brains?

In just six decades of manned space flights, we’ve discovered a remarkable amount about the neurological effects of venturing to the stars.

In this episode of ‘YOUR BRAIN ON...’ we discuss:

• How low gravity changes your brain structure, impacts your balance, and... actually might improve your sleep

• The cognitive dangers of space travel, from the mania of isolation to the destructive forces of cosmic radiation

• Why we’re evolutionary drawn to explore other worlds and believe in aliens

• What spaceflight can teach us about neuroplasticity and cogntive decline

This episode, we’re joined by:

DR. JAY BUCKEY, astronaut and space physiologist, who, in 1998, was part of the Neurolab mission, going to space for 16 days to study the effects of spaceflight on the brain and nervous system.

DR. SHEYNA GIFFORD, aerospace medic, who famously spent a year in a simulation of Mars on a volcano in Hawaii, to study the psychological impacts of long-term space travel.

DR. RACHAEL SEIDLER, Professor in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of Florida, and an expert on spaceflight’s affects on neuroplasticity.

EMILY CALANDRELLI, renowned science educator and engineer, who highlights how what we learn while exploring space greatly benefits our lives down here on Earth.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... SPACE TRAVEL’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 1

👉 LINKS

Dr. Jay Buckey at Dartmouth: https://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/faculty/facultydb/view.php/?uid=426

Dr. Sheyna Gifford’s website: https://sheynagifford.com/

Dr. Rachael Seidler at University of Florida: https://hhp.ufl.edu/about/faculty-staff/seidler_rachael/

Dr. Rachael Seidler on Twitter (AKA ‘X’): https://twitter.com/SeidlerRachael

Emily Calandrelli’s website, ‘The Space Gal’: https://www.thespacegal.com/

Emily Calandrelli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacegal

Emily Calandrelli on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thespacegal

👉 FOLLOW US

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Presidential Aging Apr 03, 2024

The U.S. is set to have its oldest President ever. Should we be worried, or are we thinking about aging the wrong way?

The unprecedented age of the two United States presidential candidates, Biden and Trump, has sparked fiery debates over whether a leader can be ‘too old’ to effectively run a country.

Our guest for this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Charan Ranganath, recently published a New York Times op-ed offering an alternative view: age itself may not be a useful metric for measuring how successfully a president might lead the nation.

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On’, we discuss:

• The different types of memory, and how they work

• How our brains can remain more resilient than is often thought in older age

• Historic figures who have made significant contributions to the world during their twilight years

• The inspiring power of our cognitive reserve

We’re also joined by longevity expert Dan Buettner, renowned for his work on ‘The Blue Zones’ — parts of the world with longer life expectancy — for a conversation about why having an older leader might not be an inherently bad thing.

This is the SEASON ONE FINALE of Your Brain On. Thank you so much for listening! We return in May 2024 with ten more exhilarating stories about the world through a neuroscientific lens.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... Presidential Aging’ • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 10

Daniel Kahneman, the Nobel Prize-winning psychologist and celebrated author, who Dr. Charan Ranganath mentioned during our conversation, sadly passed away the week before we recorded this episode. We dedicate this episode to his memory, and his work.

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LINKS

Dr. Charan Ranganath

His website: https://charanranganath.com/

His new book, ‘Why We Remember’: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705542/why-we-remember-by-charan-ranganath-phd/

At UC Davis: https://psychology.ucdavis.edu/people/charan

Dan Buettner

His website: https://danbuettner.com/

Blue Zones: https://www.bluezones.com/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danbuettner

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Cardio Mar 27, 2024

A healthier heart equals a healthier brain — no surprise there — but what’s the neuroscience behind the benefits of a cardio workout?

Cardiovascular exercise, be it a brisk stroll, a light jog, or an intense interval training session, releases neurotransmitters that can improve your mood, reduce stress, enhance your memory, and strengthen immunity.

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On’, we discuss:

• How your brain and your body respond to increasingly challenging aerobic workouts

• The neurochemistry of phenomena like ‘feeling the burn’ and ‘runner’s high’

• How the protein BDNF, triggered by exercise, can reverse the effects of aging and cognitive decline

• Ways to integrate more cardio exercise into your life, no matter which hurdles each day brings

We speak to Dr. John Ratey, author of ‘Spark’, widely celebrated as one of THE go-to books about how exercise benefits the brain. He shares the story that led him to write the book, about a school which favored fitness over sports skills in its PE classes and subsequently ranked amid the smartest schools in the world.

We’re also joined by Dr. Art Kramer, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Cognitive & Brain Health at Northeastern University, who dismisses the idea that you can be ‘too old to exercise’.

And we invite anti-influencer and social media personality Erin Azar, AKA Mrs. Space Cadet, to the show, to talk about how her videos, which show the less glamorous side of running and exercise, went viral and spawned a community of nearly one-million followers.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... Cardio • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 9

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LINKS

Our ‘Mastering Memory’ training webinar: https://thebraindocs.com/memory/

Dr. John Ratey

Website and books: https://www.johnratey.com/

Dr. Art Kramer

At Northeastern University College of Science: https://cos.northeastern.edu/people/art-kramer/

Erin Azar, “Mrs. Space Cadet”

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immrsspacecadet

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrs.space.cadet

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Alzheimer’s Mar 20, 2024

How does Alzheimer’s alter the brain, and how do we create a future without the disease?

Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, threatens to single-handedly collapse our healthcare systems. But our knowledge of how to prevent it is stronger than ever.

In this episode of ‘YOUR BRAIN ON’, we discuss:

• The power of stories and the importance of community for finding comfort and confidence following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis

• What we know about preventing cognitive decline through brain-healthy living

• The neurochemistry of how Alzheimer’s physically changes the brain

• Genetic predisposition to neurodegenerative diseases, and why women have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s

• Why we should approach brain health in the same way we approach heart health

We’re joined by Dr. Lisa Genova, neuroscientist and writer of ‘Still Alice’, a book which allows the reader to step into the shoes of a woman experiencing the onset of Alzheimer’s. ‘Still Alice’ was adapted into a feature film, for which Julianne Moore won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2015. Lisa talks to us about how stories can help us find a sense of hope and empathy in the face of ‘scary’ diagnoses.

Dr. Charles DeCarli, Director of the the University of California Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Center, explains a broad range of Alzheimer’s risk factors — from amyloid and tau proteins to cardiovascular diseases — and offers advice on thinking about brain health as part of the body’s wider functionality, not a standalone system.

And Dr. Lisa Mosconi, neuroscientist, educator, and author of ‘The Menopause Brain’, highlights how the hormonal shifts caused by menopause contribute to a higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s in women, and unpacks the controversial history and potential future of hormone replacement therapy.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... ADHD • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 8

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LINKS

Lisa Genova:

Website and books: https://www.lisagenova.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlisagenova

Lisa Mosconi:

Website: https://www.lisamosconi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_mosconi

Book, ‘The Menopause Brain’: https://www.amazon.com/Menopause-Brain-Transition-Knowledge-Confidence/dp/0593541243

Dr. Charles DeCarli at UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/medical-center/team/639/charles-decarli---neurology---dementia---alzheimer-s-disease-sacramento/

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Being A Woman Mar 13, 2024

Are there differences between the brains of women and men?

In this episode of Your Brain On, we explore the unique aspects of the female brain, and how the male-biased history of medical science has left us with enormous gaps in our knowledge of women’s distinctive neurology.

We discuss:

• The striking uniformity in the structure of the female and male brain

• The possible physiological and sociological reasons why women have a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s

• The recent progress that’s been made in making neuroscientific studies more inclusive

• What current research says about Hormone Replacement Therapy, a common treatment for postmenopausal drops in neuroprotective hormones

We’re joined by Dr. Margaret McCarthy, James & Carolyn Frenkil Endowed Dean's Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she is also Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology, renowned for her research into the neuroscience of sex differences, and Dr. Lise Eliot, Professor of Neuroscience at the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates, Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... Being A Woman • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 7

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LINKS

Dr. Margaret McCarthy’s website: https://www.mccarthylab.com/

Dr. Lise Eliot at Rosalind Franklin University: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/faculty/lise-eliot/

———

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... ADHD Mar 06, 2024

What actually is ADHD? What caused the sharp increase in cases? How does diagnosis work?

ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 60 years ago, it wasn’t mentioned at all in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Now, it’s one of the most broadly-discussed disorders in the world.

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On’, we discuss:

• What’s distinct about the brains of people with ADHD

• The past, present, and future of ADHD diagnosis

• How social media has simultaneously crushed mental health stigmas AND contributed to a dangerous trend of misguided self-diagnosis

Clinical psychologist Dr. Nicole Barile, who's known on social media for debunking trending neuroscience mistruths, joins us to discuss how online misinformation and cultural disparities have caused a paradoxical overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of ADHD. Nicole also explains ADHD’s overlap with other disorders, and how such comorbidities can make diagnosis challenging.

Dr. Margaret Sibley elaborates on the diagnosis disparity between various communities and demographics, unpacks what we know about how genetics and environment affect the prevalence of ADHD, and further ponders the relationship between social media discourse and the rising pervasiveness of ADHD. Margaret is a clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital. She also details the current interventions for ADHD, and shares what she’s excited about for the future of the disorder’s treatment.

And we speak to Ari Tuckman, a clinical psychologist specializing in diagnosing and treating people with ADHD, about the disorder’s subtypes, how ADHD affects children and adults differently, and why management can be just as important as treatment.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... ADHD’ • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 6

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LINKS

Nicole’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedyourmental

Nicole’s website: https://www.feedyourmental.com/

Margaret’s website: https://www.margaretsibley.com/

Ari’s website: https://tuckmanpsych.com/

Ari’s book, Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD: https://adultadhdbook.com/

———

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Lobotomies Feb 28, 2024

From trepanning to Neuralink, we’ve always been curious about operating on our brains — for better or worse.

Tens of thousands of people were lobotomized before the practice began to decline in the 1950s.

The era of lobotomies is one of the darkest chapters in medical history. Many of the period’s missteps can guide how we think about healthcare ethics today, and in the future.

In this episode of Your Brain On, we discuss:

• The origins of lobotomies, and how they became so prevalent in spite of their tragic consequences

• How evolving medical knowledge and technology led to their obsolescence

• Whether we’re about to make the same mistakes, as brain-machine interfaces like Neuralink promise a new generation of cognitive enhancement

We speak to Dr. Warren Boling about the historic context of lobotomies, how the procedure scored one of the most controversial Nobel Prize awards of all time, and what’s coming next for neurosurgical technology. Warren is a renowned neurosurgeon and director of the dept. of neurosurgery at Loma Linda University. He specializes in epilepsy surgery.

We’re also joined by ethicist Dr. Arthur Caplan, for a fascinating talk about the past, present, and future of medical ethics. Arthur is the founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Department of Population Health in New York City.

‘Your Brain On... Lobotomies’ • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 5

LINKS

Dr. Warren Boling at Loma Linda: https://lluh.org/provider/boling-warren

Dr. Arthur Caplan at NYU: https://med.nyu.edu/faculty/arthur-l-caplan

Dr. Arthur Caplan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArthurCaplan

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Dreams Feb 21, 2024

Why do we dream? Is lucid dreaming real? How can dreams be used for therapy? Does cheese really give us nightmares?

In this episode, we discuss the neuroscience and psychology of:

• REM sleep, and how it puts our brain in the ideal state for creating dreams

• Why dreams might be a way for our brains to stop non-visual senses taking over our brains when we sleep

• The links between recurring dreams and trauma, and how external stimuli influence the things we dream about

We speak with renowned author, dreamworker, and poet Rodger Kamenetz about why, even if lucid dreaming is real, we might not want to interrupt the problem-solving, memory-consolidating work our brains undertake when we dream.

And we talk to teacher and psychotherapist Dr. Leslie Ellis about how she incorporates dreams into therapeutic practices, and discuss why dreaming is so difficult to study.

Plus: we take a trip through time, exploring all the world-changing inventions, discoveries, and works of art that were inspired by dreams.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... Dreams’ • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 4

LINKS

Rodger Kamenetz’s website: https://kamenetz.com/

Rodger’s book: The Jew in the Lotus: A Poet's Rediscovery of Jewish Identity in Buddhist India

Dr. Leslie Ellis’ website: https://drleslieellis.com/

Leslie’s Instagram: @dreamsdemystified

Leslie’s book: A Clinician’s Guide to Dream Therapy

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Sugar Feb 14, 2024

Sugar often carries a blanket negative health connotation. But our brains need carbohydrates for everyday energy.

The term “sugar” is often used in a broad and imprecise manner, often encompassing a wide range of carbohydrates — without distinction. This oversimplification overlooks the nuanced roles and effects of different types of carbohydrates on our health.

In this episode, we aim to dissect and clarify these complexities, focusing on:

• What sugar actually is, and how it affects our brains in different ways depending on how we consume it

• The critical role of carbohydrates for our health, and the differences between various forms and their impacts

• Whether sugar is really as addictive as drugs

We explore the history of sugar, and discuss how it ended up in almost everything we see on supermarket shelves.

Plus, we speak to Dr Alan Flanagan, an esteemed nutrition scientist and founder of Alinea Nutrition. His insights shed light on the current scientific understanding of sugar and carbohydrates, providing a deeper analysis of their implications for our well-being.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... Sugar’ • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 3

CONTEST

To celebrate the launch of our new podcast, ‘Your Brain On’, we’re giving away prizes to its earliest listeners — like you! Prizes include memberships to our thriving NEURO Academy community, and bundles, like our Better Brain Cooking Box, Books Bundle, and Better Brain Favorites Box.

To enter, all you’ll need to do is subscribe to Your Brain On, leave an honest review of the show on Apple Podcasts, and then sign up for the contest at thebraindocs.com/podcast.

LINKS

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

GUEST LINKS

Alan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenutritionaladvocate

Alinea Nutrition: https://www.alineanutrition.com/

Your Brain On... Football Feb 14, 2024

When wins and losses shape the mood of entire cities, what’s happening in the brains of football fans?

In this episode, we discuss the neuroscience and psychology of:

• Football fandom, and bonding with others over shared love of a team

• The chemicals that make wins feel so joyous, and losses so painful

• How our empathy systems transport us into the shoes of the players

We explore the evolutionary significance of sports, from honing our motor skills as hunter-gatherers to finding connection and purpose through the global tournaments of today, and share our own stories growing up as football fans.

And, we speak to Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, neuroscientist, psychologist, and author, about the physiological effects of watching sports with others — synchronized breathing, matching heart rates, and mirrored movements.

Plus! Our son Alexander Noor Sherzai, a newly accepted graduate student at UCLA in the field of computational medicine/AI and a lifelong fanatical Pittsburgh Steelers fan, joins us for a conversation about the cultural and psychological intersection of football fandom: being a fan from a young age, engaging in online discourse, and concerns around the growing epidemic of sports betting.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... Football’ • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 2

CONTEST

To enter, all you’ll need to do is subscribe to Your Brain On, leave an honest review of the show on Apple Podcasts, and then sign up for the contest at thebraindocs.com/podcast.

LINKS

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

GUEST LINKS

Lisa’s books:

• Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain (book): https://amzn.to/2Sp5ar9

• How Emotions Are Made (book): https://amzn.to/2GwAFg6

Lisa’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/LFeldmanBarrett

Lisa’s Website: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/

Your Brain On... Love Feb 14, 2024

Neurochemically, what is love? How can neuroscience help us maintain long-term relationships? Is heartbreak real?

In this episode, we discuss the neuroscience and psychology of:

• Why falling in love can feel so stressful

• How being infatuated activates the same neurotransmitters as having OCD

• What happens to your brain when exciting new romances settle into comfortable decades-long unions

We speak to Dr. Anna Machin, renowned author and evolutionary anthropologist at the Department of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University, England, and author of ‘Why We Love’, about oxytocin, dopamine, and lesser-discussed hormones like beta-endorphins, whether genetics can heighten our predisposition to desire relationships, and why love (in all forms, not just romantic) is a fundamental human need.

Cardiologist Columbus Batiste, MD joins us for a conversation around love’s impact on both the heart and the brain, and what the medical term for heartbreak has to do with octopi!

We speak with psychologist Dr. Arthur Aron, esteemed professor of psychology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, best known for his work on intimacy in interpersonal relationships, and development of the self-expansion model of motivation in close relationships, about the differences between passionate and companionate love, and what his self-expansion model says about why we’re motivated to seek out relationships.

Dr. Richard S. Schwartz, MD, renowned psychiatrist, author and associate professor at Harvard Medical School and on the faculty of the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute and the Psychodynamic Couple and Family Institute of New England, discusses the neuroscience of distinguishing love from obsession. His work and research focuses on social connection and lasting marriage. With his wife, Jacqueline Olds, MD, he has co-authored three books on these subjects.

Plus: we share our own love story — meeting while working on healthcare systems in war-torn Afghanistan — and explore how love can be found in the midst of shared challenges.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... Love’ • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 1

CONTEST

To enter, all you’ll need to do is subscribe to Your Brain On, leave an honest review of the show on Apple Podcasts, and then sign up for the contest at thebraindocs.com/podcast.

LINKS

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Dry January Feb 14, 2024

What happens to your brain when you stop drinking? Is doing Dry January the best way to quit?

In this second preview episode of Your Brain On, we discuss the neuroscience and psychology of:

• How alcohol affects your brain, at a cellular level

• Why a gradual detoxification might be better than the hard stop encouraged by Dry January

• The fascinating history of alcohol’s role in culture, from ancient civilizations to the Prohibition era

We also speak to Dr. Howard Rankin, an incredible psychologist who has done remarkable work in the realm of addiction and behavior.

Dr. Rankin talks to us about the challenges of overcoming alcohol dependence, the differences between avoiding and confronting temptations, and the importance of focusing on progress over perfection.

‘Your Brain On’ is a brand new podcast from hosts Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

CONTEST

To enter, all you’ll need to do is subscribe to Your Brain On, leave an honest review of the show on Apple Podcasts, and then sign up for the contest at thebraindocs.com/podcast.

LINKS

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... New Year’s Resolutions Feb 14, 2024

On New Year’s Eve, we experience feelings of joy, sadness, thankfulness, regret, and nostalgia, as our brains recall episodic moments from the past 12 months.

Surges of dopamine mix with our aspirations, forming resolutions. As we count down to the new year, we’re full of excitement and hope.

But most of us don’t manage to stick to our new year’s resolutions beyond January.

In this episode of Your Brain On, we discuss the neuroscience and psychology of:

• Why new year’s resolutions so often fail

• How we can keep our new year’s resolutions, with science-backed techniques

• Whether new years are good starting points for forming new habits

We’re joined by Dr. Phillippa Lally, a Senior Lecturer of Psychology at the University of Surrey in the UK, and our friend Howard Jacobson, an expert in the mechanics of behavior change.

‘Your Brain On’ is a brand new podcast from hosts Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

CONTEST

To enter, all you’ll need to do is subscribe to Your Brain On, leave an honest review of the show on Apple Podcasts, and then sign up for the contest at thebraindocs.com/podcast.

LINKS

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast